Re: Reopening Letter to Boothbay Baptist Church May
27, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want to begin by expressing our thanks
to God for allowing us to safely navigate this initial phase of this Coronavirus
pandemic. Our community and our church family have been, for the most part, protected
through these days, for which we should all be grateful. Some other areas of
the country and the world have not had the same experience. I also want to
express my thankfulness to each of you for your patience and cooperation as we
have passed through this time.
The recent steps taken by our President
and his team, along with the recommendations of our governor, have opened the
door to us reestablishing “in person” worship services at our church almost
immediately. I would like to share with you some of the steps we are taking,
and also the precautions the elders are recommending, starting this week. We
are relying on the best information we have from the CDC and from the Christian
Civic League and Carroll Conley*, who have been helping us think through some
of the issues with which we are confronted. Please consider the needs of
others, and not personal preference, in your response to these guidelines and
requests. Let’s be willing to esteem others as more important than ourselves,
and let love for the brethren, and deference toward a weaker brother, guide our
attitudes and actions.
1. Initially, to maintain proper social
distancing, we will be limited to 50 people in the sanctuary. I believe that we
can set up a live stream alternative for overflow in the Fellowship Hall which
will allow for an additional 25 or so to be seated with proper spacing, which
would also be available to those who choose for a time to watch from home. Our
church annual meeting on June 3rd will be a “hybrid” event, with
attenders physically present, while others participate via Zoom. June 7th
will be our first official worship service as we restart meeting back in our
building (We will consider adding a second service if necessary in the summer if needed).
2. The CDC is specifically recommending
that the most vulnerable consider participating online for awhile longer, but
that is not a requirement. We want to leave that to you to decide what you are
comfortable with. We will do everything we can on our end to maintain a safe environment.
3. For the comfort and safety of our most
vulnerable, we are asking all to respect “social distancing” and at least
initially, we are asking that all use face coverings. Alternate rows will be
closed off in the sanctuary, and families can sit close together, but spacing
of at least six feet should be maintained between family units.
4. We ask that congregating with friends
and conversing happen outside the building, and request that social distancing
still be maintained for the peace of mind and safety of all. When you enter the
foyer, you will be directed by ushers to an open seating area and we ask that
you move directly to your seat for the duration of the service.
5. Once we reach our 50 person limit, those
entering will be directed to the lower level, via the stairs off the main foyer.
Those who need the lift to access the lower level will be able to use it one at
a time.
6. Sunday School for all ages will restart
in September, God willing, when public schools reopen.
7. Initially we will not be providing
nursery, and are considering holding Children’s church in the Christy Room starting
week 2, if 1) parents can escort their children back and forth from the 999-B
lower level during the hymn before the message, and pick them up promptly during
the closing hymn; 2) parents who are members or regular attenders, are willing
to take a turn at teaching the lesson (if you are willing, please e-mail or
call Mary Ann ASAP so a schedule can be established). This is to make sure we are able to maintain
social distancing between the children. Children initially will remain seated
with their parents.
Thank you again for patiently working
through this with us. Our June 3rd Annual Meeting will provide an
opportunity for your input and suggestions, but in the meantime, feel free to
contact me or one of the elders.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Steve Nash
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